Executive Secretary, Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Salau Dauda, (6th right), State Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Alhaji Ishaku Kwajafa, (6th left), joined by the Management Staff of the Board & NDLEA, during the Board’s working visit to the agency’s office at Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta.
Press Release
The Executive Secretary of Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (OGMPWB) Alhaji Salau Dauda, has said that the agency has never recorded any drug-related issue during Hajj operations over the years.
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Salau revealed this during a working visit to Ogin state office of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), at Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta.
He noted that the Board was able to achieve the feat as a result of its adherence to laid down rules in order to protect the image of the State.
The Secretary said the State government was concerned about the wellbeing of its pilgrims, particularly on drug-related issues, adding that it would ensure that pilgrims are sensitised against circumstances that could tarnish the image of the State in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“In the history of Ogun State, we have never had any drug-related issues, because we abide by the conduct of NDLEA during our Hajj operations. We don’t want anything that can dent the image of our dear State or affect the wellbeing of the intending pilgrims”, he said.
Salau stated that the activities of the Agency could not be undermined in pilgrimage matters, seeking for its continued collaboration in eradicating narcotic drugs in the country and intensifying efforts on sensitisation and enlightenment programmes, especially during the screening of intending pilgrims before embarking on Hajj.
Responding, the State Commander, NDLEA, Alhaji Ishaku Kwajafa assured the agency’s readiness to support the Board in making Hajj operations drug-free, saying only the medical team is allowed to be seen with legal drugs.
“Intending pilgrims are not supposed to travel with drugs, even ordinary paracetamol should not be seen with them, that is why you have the medical team in place who are allowed to handle legal drugs. Items or drugs like Kolanut, Tramadol, Cough syrup are not permitted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”, Kwajafa said.
He stated that the agency had the manpower and capacity to be part of the screening team, pledging their unrelenting support to the Board at all times, as it engages other relevant agencies and sensitising the general public on its activities.
Highlight of the visit was the decoration of the Executive Secretary as the Ambassador of War Against Drugs Trafficking and Abused.
Nofisat Alapoti & Gafar Alabi,
Press Officers, MPWB
